Marina, with an air of arrogance, remained silent, not initiating any conversation. Lauren took the initiative to speak up for Ruby. "Ms. Marina, you''re here to cheer for Ruby, aren''t you? That''s awfully kind of you."


    Marina''s gaze swept past Lauren without a trace of recognition, making Lauren''s blood boil with annoyance.


    A frown marred Marina''s face, as if speaking to Lauren was thest thing she wanted to do. Xavier, seated nearby, felt the awkward tension thick in the air. He chimed in, attempting to smooth things over. "Lauren, my mom isn''t the chatty type. She''s here with me today to root for Ruby, nothing more."


    Lauren''s expression softened slightly, and she nodded with a gracious smile. "That''s thoughtful of you."


    "The timing couldn''t be better. The final round is about to start. Ruby has already won two rounds," Lauren said, her voice heavy with pride.N?velDrama.Org (C) content.


    Marina''s lips parted slightly, "Winning two rounds doesn''t guarantee first ce."


    Marina''s words stung, igniting Lauren''s desire tosh out. "What''s that supposed to mean? Are you mocking our Ruby? How can you be so sure she won''t take first ce?" Xavier jumped in to mediate. "Mrs. Lauren, my mom didn''t mean it that way. She''s just the sort to not count her chickens before they hatch. Please, don''t take it to heart."


    Lauren was fuming, throwing Marina a re but found herself without a retort. Without a definitive oue, any argument with Marina would only leave Lauren vulnerable to ridicule. Caught between the two women, Xavier felt the heat of the situation, wishing for an escape from the no-win scenario. Two strong-willed women together were like a force of nature.


    Ruby, intending to head into thepetition, noticed the uneasy atmosphere between Lauren and Marina. She trotted over, her voice sweet and polite. "Marina, thank you foring to support me. I''ll do my best."


    Xavier''s face lit up with an indulgent smile. "Go get ''em, Ruby."


    Marina remained silent, almost as if she had been dragged to thepetition against her will. Xavier nudged Marina gently with his elbow prompting a reluctant grunt from her, which passed for acknowledgment to Ruby


    Lauren, protective as ever, urged her daughter. "Ruby, it''s time. Hurry along now."


    Ruby nodded with a smile. "I''m on it."


    With excitement, Ruby dashed off.


    Lena had been sitting backstage for what felt like an eternity and couldn''t stay put any longer. She sauntered to the front, sidling up next to Josefina.


    Josefina was engrossed in a game


    on her phone, a sight that made Lena chuckle. "Josefina, we''re at apetition, and you''re gaming? With that attitude, do you really think you can manage your team?d''d brace forst ce if I were you."


    Josefina slowly looked up, her clear eyes locking onto Lena. "Got too much time on your hands?"


    "As a guest of honor, I''m naturally at leisure. But even in my downtime, I''m not as idle as you."


    "Oh, I couldn''t possiblypete with you," Josefina retorted with a scoff. "Do you think by eliminating Regina, you can bury the truth?"


    Lena stared at Josefina, taken aback, but quickly regained herposure. "What nonsense are you spouting? Be careful, or I might sue you for nder."


    "Lena, although you usually have a strong mental resilience, you seem noticeably more flustered right now." Josefina observed, a mocking smile ying on her lips as she advanced step by step.


    Lena stepped back as Josefina approached. Josefina''s voice measured and taunting. "Do you really think you''ve left no evidence behind?"